Andrea Belotti transfer: Torino braced for ‘flood of money’ interest from Man Utd and Co in striker could bring

The Serie A side remain reluctant to part with their star striker this summer but are aware that any deal would bring vast sums of money into the club

Torino are aware that any deal for Manchester United and Chelsea target Andrea Belotti would bring “a flood of money” into the club.

The Serie A outfit are, however, still hoping that they can negotiate the summer transfer window without parting with their star striker.

Interest in the 23-year-old has been building on the back of his 28-goal haul in 2016-17, with Premier League heavyweights reported to be leading the chase.

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Torino boss Sinisa Mihajlovic is aware of the interest and acknowledges that the presence of a €100 million release clause means that his side will be handsomely compensated if a deal is done – even if it will be difficult to find a suitable replacement.

He told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Will he stay? I hope so and so does [President Urbano] Cairo who isn’t thinking of selling him.

“Then there’s the €100m release clause. If someone pays it then a flood of money will arrive, but then we’d have to change the way we play.

“It’s not just about replacing Belotti, it’s worse than that. It’s hard to find someone else who pulls their teammates forward and scores 26 goals.

“What I always say to him – and what I told [Christian] Vieri – is don’t lose your head; sacrifice, keep improving, don’t lose than hunger that made you the player you’ve been recently.”

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Cairo has suggested in the past that even if a big-money offer were to be made this summer, then Belotti may opt to shun the interest and stay put.

He told Radio 24 in June: “He has a contract with Toro until 2021. I would only sell him for €100m, but even then he can refuse.

“The most important thing is what he wants, regardless of the release clause, and I believe he wants to stay.”